Eric Morris steps in: Can Oklahoma State’s new head coach match the legacy of coaching legend? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Oklahoma State football is entering a new era, and it begins with one of the fastest-rising offensive minds in college football. Eric Morris is officially the new head coach in Stillwater, taking over for longtime Cowboys leader Mike Gundy, who spent 21 seasons building Oklahoma State into one of the Big 12’s most consistent programs. Gundy leaves behind a massive legacy: a 170–90 record, 18 bowl appearances, and 12 bowl victories. Those expectations now fall on Morris’ shoulders.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMorris arrives after a breakout stretch at North Texas, where he transformed the Mean Green into one of the most explosive offenses in America. In three seasons, he posted a 22–15 record, but it was 2025 that put him on every athletic director’s radar. North Texas went 11–1 and fielded the nation’s highest-scoring offense at 46.4 points per game. They also led the country in total offense with 516.2 yards per game, a testament to Morris’ creative, aggressive, and fast-paced offensive identity.
That offensive firepower is exactly why Oklahoma State made this move. The Big 12 is evolving, and programs need a modern, pressure-packed scoring attack to keep up. Morris has shown he can build that; now he must prove he can do it against tougher defenses, bigger stages, and higher expectations.
Replacing a legend is never easy. But if Eric Morris brings even half of his North Texas fireworks to Stillwater, Oklahoma State might be headed for a thrilling new chapter.
More college football news:
Lane Kiffin contract details: How much money LSU is paying coach to leave Ole Miss
Lane Kiffin announces long-awaited decision on coaching future
Lane Kiffin leaves Ole Miss for LSU: Why coach spurned playoff-bound Rebels for Tigers
Who is Pete Golding? Meet Ole Miss' new head coach tasked to lead Rebels in CFP without Lane Kiffin
Pete Golding named as head coach at Ole Miss to replace Lane Kiffin
